Popular Content

On 5 May 2010, the Africa Biodiversity Collaborative Group convened a meeting on Biodiversity Impacts of Chinese Investment in Africa and Opportunities for Conservation, hosted by World Resources Institute and chaired by Peter Viet, WRI’s Regional Director for Africa, Institutions and Governance Program. The meeting was held to investigate how best to engage with new actors affecting conservation and biodiversity in sub-Saharan Africa. Chinese engagement in Africa has grown rapidly over the past decade and Chinese companies are now investing heavily in natural resources extraction, infrastructure construction and daily life in African nations.

The objectives of the meeting were to investigate the following questions:

What is the scope of Chinese investment in African countries, and what is the impact on biodiversity?

Who are the key actors and stakeholders? How are Chinese companies and the Chinese government linked to extractive industries and impacts on biodiversity?

What challenges (including transparence and non-interference) are faced by conservation groups working with new actors in the region?

How can conservationists leverage opportunities for biodiversity conservation with non-traditional partners, including growing interest in corporate social responsibility?

Minutes of the meeting are available here. Please click the presentation titles below to view each presentation and
click the "Tools & Resources" tab at the top of this page for
additional documents, links and resources.